Beware of Latest Phone Scam Targeting Older Adults

West
Springfield Police District – Dozens of seniors have been victimized by
telephone scammers in recent weeks and police are urging residents not to
give out, or verify, financial information over the phone.

In
the latest scam, victims are receiving calls from someone pretending to
be from a utility company, delivery service or sweepstakes. Residents are
told their service will be discontinued unless they pay by phone
immediately. Frightened at the thought of no heat, power, or phone, for
example, victimized seniors provide their account numbers and payment
information over the phone.

Additionally,
many of the calls are made under the pretense that the information is
required to send out important documents such as new health insurance or
social security cards.

Typically,
these calls arrive during the weekdays. Callers are both male and female;
they may speak quickly or with an accent so that it may be difficult to
understand what is said. Often, callers know basic information about the
victim, including name, age and address. Some potential victims have
challenged the callers and the callers became frustrated and hung up.

Police
remind residents, particularly older adults and their caregivers, never
to provide personal or financial information over the phone. Verify
legitimacy of companies requesting funds using phone valid, official
phone numbers.